Oh my God I had forgotten what a great album this is! I had it on vinyl years ago, moved to Europe and now have no record player. I finally bought the disc -- about 10 years too late. Neil Diamond had such a perfect baritone when Hot August Night was recorded, the songs are so beautiful, "Solemon" and "Cracklin Granola Sweet" rock so hard -- man, I can't believe it's been 27 years since this album was recorded, but it holds up like no other. If Amazon allowed us to give 10 stars, I'd give it 9.9 -- one-tenth off for failing to realize that the box set deserves way better liner notes than the three paragraphs on how nice the Greek Theatre was that are in there now. Other than that, this is probably the most timeless album (OK -- other than "Yellow Brick Road" and the Simon & Garfunkel concert in Central Park) that I have.

"Hot August Night" did for Neil Diamond what "Frampton Comes Alive" did for Peter Frampton--ensured his reputation as a live performer, which of course stimulated his record sales. Unlike "Frampton Comes Alive," however, "Hot August Night" sounds as fantastic today as it did when it was recorded twenty-nine years ago. For the sound quality alone, the engineer should be canonized! And no, you don't have to sit through "Heartlight" either.

Anyone familiar with Diamond's early stuff will see the usual suspects here--"Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie" and the like. However, what really sets this live set apart are the arrangements, which is some cases have been changed dramatically from the original recorded versions. Diamond goes all over the style board here--the sweet strings of "Prologue", the achingly beautiful Spanish guitar on "Canta Libre", the African tribal rhythms of "Soolaimon," the gospel screams of "Brother Love", the pounding rock of "Holly Holy" and "Crunchy Granola Suite." Diamond is in his best voice here as well. You definitely do not have to be a Diamond fan to love this record, as several of my friends who have asked for taped copies will tell you. This is for any and all fans of all pop music. It's that good. Period.

If I could pick one CD in the world to take with me, I would pick this one. Neil Diamond is so talented, and his orchestra is incredible! If only the rock stars of today had the raw talent that he does. I listened to this album as a child, and now have the CD. After almost 29 years of pure enjoyment,(I am almost 29 years old) I haven't gotten tired of his songs yet, in fact, I like them more with each listen. The prologue is absolutely beautiful, and the rest of his songs are perfection. If you buy this CD it will make you remember what REALLY GOOD MUSIC sounds like!

This is my favorite Neil Diamond album, one of those rare live albums that you would rather listen to than the same songs thrown together on any one of a half-dozen greatest hits collection. Just listen to "Cherry Cherry" and that should prove the point right there. I also like to listen to the Prologue, where the strings slowly build unto the point where the guitar finally starts to play and Diamond launches into "Crunch Granola Suite." Not exactly a Neil Diamond "hit," but it makes for a great opening. Likewise, I never get tired of hearing the sweeping string arrangement on "Play Me."

More than you usually find on an album, the construction of this live performance is quite impressive. You have the big opening that comes down in the second half of "Done Too Soon" to set up a trio of his early hits: "Solitary Man," "Cherry Cherry" and "Sweet Caroline." Then you have a series of cute songs (e.g., "Soggy Pretzels") before an extended set of simpler numbers such as "Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon" and "Canta Libre." Then we have to endure "Song Sung Blue" (never liked it, never will) and then things perk up with "Cracklin' Rosie" setting up a powerhouse final trio. First "Holly Holy," my absolute favorite, and then a majestic version of "I Am...I Said." Following the Walk Off a rhythmic progression introduces the encore medley of "Soolaimon" and "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show."

No wonder this was a legendary concert, richly deserving to be recorded for posterity. Nothing I have heard from Diamond, not even his later live stuff, has matched what I hear on this album. This is my recommendation for the "if you only own one Neil Diamond album" spot in your music collection. If you already have one album and it is not this one, then you need to go forth and procure it as well.

First of all, I'm not a big Neil Diamond fan. Although I enjoy some of his early work he's usually just too mellow for me. However, this live CD is as good as any live set I've heard. Being that it was recorded in 1972, before he got too mainstream, it shows a Neil Diamond willing to take risks with his music. From the opening notes of Prologue the music just soars! If you're looking for a musical experience that is just a pleasure to listen to, buy this CD. You'll be happy you did.